When: Thursday, March 2, 2023
Where: Block Brewing Company Howell
1140 S Michigan Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Time: 11:30 am – Registration & Networking
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Luncheon & program
Join us to hear more about Livingston County Convention & Visitor Bureau highlights, 2022 accomplishments, and a look into 2023 initiatives. Enjoy Pure Michigan Travel Updates from Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan.
Follow an engaging discussion and Q&A with Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, and Justin Winslow, President & CEO of Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association.
RSVP is required to attend this complimentary luncheon by Monday, February 20, 2023. Please click the button below to register for the 2023 Annual Partner Meeting. If you are bringing staff members with you, each person must fill out their own form.
2023 Awards:
Submit your completed entry along with any and all supporting materials by the deadline of February 15, 2023. We suggest that you contact Explore Brighton Howell Area to confirm receipt of your nomination form. Explore Brighton Howell Area is not responsible for nominations not received by the deadline.
Tourism Ambassador:
This category recognizes that our tourism industry employees and volunteers elevate Livingston County as a tourism destination. Explore Brighton Howell Area (EBHA) Certified Tourism Ambassador Program (CTA) launched in December 2022. This person may have completed the EBHA CTA certification or plans to do so. This person possesses an in-depth knowledge of Livingston County and its attractions, exemplifies excellence in hospitality and customer service, and promotes the CTA ideal of ensuring that every visitor has a positive and memorable experience.
The evaluation and criteria should include as many of the following as possible:
- How did this nominee help create a positive experience for a visitor in Livingston County?
- How did this nominee go beyond customer service expectations?
- How did this person share their knowledge of our area to ensure a memorable experience?
- Letters, comments, or reviews from customers highlighting how this person contributed to their experience?
New Tourism Business:
This award recognizes excellence in the planning and development of a NEW tourism business and/or service that opened in the calendar year 2022. Businesses in this category attracted visitors to Livingston County and can demonstrate visitor spending and effective promotion of the business. The evaluation and criteria should include the following:
- Promotional materials/collateral announcing the opening or digital campaigns/ads and posts promoting the business.
- Provide an overview of the business/service as it relates to the tourism product of the county.
- Describe the rationale for opening the business and the process of development.
- Provide an overview of the positive economic impact and improvement to the community.
- Describe the marketing strategies used to differentiate the tourism business.
Changemaker of the Year:
The Changemaker of the Year is an individual or business that is innovative, impactful and effects positive change in the hospitality and tourism community of Livingston County.
- How did this nominee innovate?
- How did this nominate impact our hospitality and tourism community?
- In what whys did this nominee effect positive change?
- How did this nominee go beyond customer service expectations?
- Letters, comments, or reviews from customers in support of the nomination.
Hospitality with Heart:
This award recognizes a business performing above and beyond in the spirit to serve and provide outstanding hospitality while promoting Livingston County.
- What makes this business a star?
- How did the business go above and beyond in providing outstanding hospitality?
- Letter, comments, or reviews from customers complimenting the business and service provided.
Speakers:
Dave Lorenz, Vice President | Travel Michigan
Dave Lorenz serves as Vice President of Travel Michigan, where he is responsible for leading the state’s tourism branding, advertising, and public relations efforts; overseeing the award-winning Pure Michigan tourism campaign, and coordinating overall statewide tourism initiatives.
Mr. Lorenz is on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Travel Association, the National Council of State Tourism Directors, Michigan Cares for Tourism, Circle Michigan, Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, MotorCities National Heritage Association, West Michigan Tourism Association, Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Grand Rapids Hotel Advisory Board.
Prior to Travel Michigan, Mr. Lorenz was the Manager of Partnerships and Promotions, for Meijer, Inc. He also has 14 years of experience in radio broadcasting, ranging from announcer and news reporter to numerous management positions.
Mr. Lorenz attended Western Michigan University. He lives in Norton Shores with his wife, Roberta.
Justin Winslow, President & CEO | Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA)
Justin Winslow became the President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association in 2015 after serving four years as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the association.
Winslow is responsible for expanding the scope of the association through the incorporation of both the statewide lodging association and the Detroit Restaurant Association into the MRLA. In 2018, he merged the restaurant group with Check In Michigan — a trade group for hoteliers —to form the MRLA.
Winslow was named 50 Names to Know in Lobbying by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2020 and in 2022 and as Vice President was rated the second most effective association lobbyist in Lansing by MIRS News. In 2015, he received the “Rising Leader” award from the Michigan Society of Association Executives.
Winslow received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the James Madison College at Michigan State University and holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from the same school.
Justin resides in the greater Lansing area with his wife Stephanie and their three children; Avery, Grayson and Alex.
Sponsors:
